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Exercise Guide

How to do cable one arm tricep pushdown

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The cable one arm tricep pushdown is a fantastic isolation exercise for focusing on each arm individually. By working unilaterally, you can ensure that both triceps are developing equally and correct any strength imbalances. The cable provides constant resistance throughout the extension, allowing for a deep burn and peak contraction, which is essential for building well-defined arms and improving lockout strength in presses.

Stats

TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Cable
TARGET MUSCLES
Triceps

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Cable Machine & Attachment: Position the pulley on the high setting. Attach a D-handle to the cable.
  2. Stance & Grip: Stand facing the machine, about a foot away from the stack, with the arm closest to the machine being your working arm. Grasp the handle with an overhand grip (palm facing down).
  3. Arm Position: Place your non-working arm across your body or on your hip for stability. Keep your elbow tucked into your side with your forearm pointing downward, holding the handle.

The Lift:

  1. Extend Arm Downward: Engage your triceps to extend your arm downwards until it's fully straight alongside your body. Your wrist should be in line with your forearm.
  2. Peak Contraction: Pause briefly at the bottom of the movement, squeezing your triceps.
  3. Controlled Return: Slowly return your arm to the starting position, resisting the pull of the cable.
  4. Switch Sides: After completing the desired number of repetitions, switch sides and repeat the same process with your other arm.

Tips:

  • Isolate the Triceps: Keep your upper arm stationary, focusing on contracting only the triceps muscle.
  • Avoid Swinging: Don't use momentum to push the weight down. The movement should be controlled and deliberate.
  • Forearm Position: Keep your forearm vertical throughout the exercise to emphasize the triceps.

Common mistakes: Moving the shoulder and upper arm instead of keeping the elbow pinned to the side.

Alternatives

Bench

dumbbell incline triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable one arm tricep pushdown

Triceps
Cable

cable pushdown(with rope)

Triceps
Cable

cable one arm side triceps pushdown

Triceps
Bench

barbell incline triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable bent overhead tricep extension

Triceps
Cable

cable overhead triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell incline two arm triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable lying triceps extension(low)

Triceps
Cable

cable reverse grip triceps pushdown(sz-bar)

Triceps
Bench

barbell seated overhead triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell seated triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell one arm tricep extension

Triceps
Cable

cable lying triceps extension

Triceps
Bench

barbell lying triceps extension

Triceps
Triceps Extension Machine

machine triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable triceps pushdown(SZ bar)

Triceps
Decline Bench

ez-barbell decline triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell one arm kickback

Triceps
Bench

dumbbell triceps kickback

Triceps
Dip Bar

weighted triceps dips

TricepsChest+1
None

dips on chair

TricepsChest+1
Barbell

barbell incline close grip bench press

TricepsFront Shoulder+1
None

kneeling triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell lying triceps extension

Triceps
Ez Barbell

ez-barbell incline triceps extension

Triceps
Dumbbell

dumbbell seated triceps extension

Triceps
Cable

cable triceps pushdown(v-bar)

Triceps
Smith Machine

smit-machine close grip bench press

TricepsChest+1
Bench

barbell close grip bench press

TricepsChest+1